Canadiens News

Game Day - Coyotes - March 6, 2014

by
Staff Writer
/ Montréal Canadiens

The Canadiens had the morning off, but Brandon Prust, Michael Bournival and Carey Price all skated at Jobing.com Arena.

After being acquired from the Islanders on Wednesday, Thomas Vanek arrived at the team hotel in Phoenix early Thursday morning. He met with the players and the coaching staff at the hotel but did not skate. He will be in the lineup against the Coyotes, but did not confirm who he would be playing with on a line.

“Any time [you get traded] you’re excited to come in and meet the guys,” shared Vanek, who spent the first two seasons of his career playing with Daniel Briere in Buffalo. “It’s a little bit overwhelming, but since the minute I found out I had been traded to Montreal, they’ve treated me first class. We just had a quick meeting this morning and I’m sure coach will let me know [who I’m playing with] later.”

Josh Gorges flew back to Montreal on Thursday morning with a hand injury to be evaluated by team doctors. He will not be available to play against the Coyotes or Sharks.

Marc Bergevin will be arriving in Phoenix on Thursday in time for the game and will meet with the media at Jobing.com Arena before puck drop.

Peter Budaj will likely get the start for the Canadiens against Phoenix after Dustin Tokarski enjoyed starting duties on Wednesday night in Anaheim. In 15 career games against the Coyotes, the 31-year-old netminder owns an 8-3-3 record and a 2.70 goals-against average.